OUR VIEW: Let's be 'weather aware'

Thursday

Mar 21, 2013 at 5:44 PMMar 21, 2013 at 5:45 PM

"Wanted For Fraud” is emblazoned across the top of the poster. “Last seen in Pennsylvania” sits accusingly under the photo.

"Wanted For Fraud” is emblazoned across the top of the poster. “Last seen in Pennsylvania” sits accusingly under the photo.Who is this fugitive? It’s Punxsutawney Phil, the famed groundhog who predicted Feb. 2 — Groundhog Day — that spring would come early this year.Phil, we think you missed the mark.Wednesday was the first day of spring. It was a nice enough day, especially considering the severe weather of Monday afternoon.But today, Phil? Not. So. Much.All kidding aside, the fluctuating weather conditions are reminders that being “weather aware” is as important now as any time of year, maybe more.In addition to the roller-coaster temperatures, there are other weather factors that need to be monitored. Local, state and national weather officials have been issuing “red flag” warnings. These indicate that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will be shortly. Those conditions include a combination of low relative humidity and dry fuels (leaves, grass, brush, etc.) that create the potential for fires to spread rapidly.With changing temperatures, it is important for neighbors to continue being neighborly. Checking in routinely on sick, elderly or homebound loved ones or friends is always a good idea, and when temperatures hit extremes — high or low — the urgency also becomes more extreme. Now is a good time to get in some routine maintenance as well. Perhaps it is too cold or wet to work outside, but it is a good time to check the batteries in flashlights and smoke alarms and to replenish or change out supplies in emergency kits.Take time this weekend, before setting out for spring break, to take the family through a safety drill. Make sure everyone knows escape routes, meeting points and procedures for handling emergencies. Finally, make sure everyone knows where to turn for help. Anyone seeking assistance from Monday’s storm, or with other turbulent times in life, can dial 2-1-1 First Call for Help from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. With a little planning and a lot of support from each other, we should be able to ride out the ebbing and flowing temperatures, in spite of Phil.

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